Sign-board.



JOI-IN C. LAKE, OF BIG PRAIRIE, OHIO.

SIGN-BOARD.

Application led October 24, 1916.

To all whom t may concern.

Be it lrnown that I, JOHN C. LAKE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Big Prairie, in the county of I-Iolmes and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Sign-Board, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in sign boards having more specific relation to street signs or guide boards.

The objects of myV invention are, first, to so construct the sign board that it can be formed of sheet metal, second, to provide what might be termed a double faced board, and third, to provide a simple and inexpensive structure.

With these objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts, hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportions, size and minor details of construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawing:

Figure 1 is a view showing the sign properly assembled.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on line 2 2, Fig. 1. Y

Fig. 3 is a front face view of one of the sheet metal members going to make up the si gFlig. 1 is a back face view of one of the members.

Fig. 5 is a detached view of the retaining cap.

Fig. 6 is a front face view showing the members in proper relative position.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a portion of one of the sign members and a letter, showing the parts detached.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawing.

In the accompanying drawing, 1 represents the metal members which are formed in pairs, each member of a single pair being of the same size and shape; but it will be understood that different sizes may be made or formed, reference being had to the size of the sign or guide board required. The top or upper edges of the members 1 are Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 2a, 1917.

serial No. 127,363.

provided with the flanges 2, said flanges being located at an angle to the members 1 and are preferably, slightly inclined downward as illustrated in the drawings, but the angle of the {ianges 2 is immaterial.

For the purpose of connecting the pairs or members 1 I provide the coupling cap 3, which cap is provided with the open folds l, the inner edges of the folds t are spaced a short distance apart for the purpose of producing an open groove 5. This open groove should be of a width to correspond substantially with the thickness of the sheets 1 when placed back to back. rlille sheets 1 are each provided at their opposite ends with the open bead or fold 6, by which arrangement the plain or straight ends of the members 1 can be inserted under the fold 6, by which arrangement the ends of the sign members are held against any displacement. In some instances it may be desirable to press the folds 6 after the members have been brought into proper position so that they will snugly clamp the members together, but this is a question of judgment rather than of invention. The cap 4 is placed upon the flanges 2 as illustrated in Fig. 1, said cap being placed in position by what might be termed a relative sliding action as between the cap and sign members. In order that the cap may be properly placed in position, the anged edges of the members 1 are cut away as illustrated at 7, by which arrangement the cap 3 can be passed over the tops of the folds 6. It will be understood that by cutting away a portion of the edges of the members 1 as illust-rated at 7 the folds 6 will be of a length less than the width of the sheets.

I prefer to attach the dierent letters, figures and indicators to the sign members 1 by means of rivets 8, which are passed through the apertures 9 formed in the sign members l and the ends of the rivets swaged upon the backs of said sign members. I prefer to form the rivets 8 integral with the letters or other characters designed to be attached to the sign members, by which arrangement their outer faces are smooth and no openings through the letters are formed, leaving the outer faces smooth and to a certain degree preventing corrosion around the rivets.

It is well understood that since the introduction of automobiles long journeys are made and it is of the utmost importance that persons traveling in a country in which they are not thoroughly familiar with the dis'- tance and location of the places should be properly guided and can gather the desired information quickly and hence I prefer to employ, what might be termed, a double faced sign. In describing my invention I have not illustrated any mechanism for supporting the sign, owing to the fact that many ways or various devices may be employed, which devices do not enter int-o the present invention.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a sign of the character described, the combination of sign sections adapted to be placed back to back, one of the longitudinal edges of each section provided with a flange, a cap provided With oppositely disposed open folds, said open folds adapted to receive the longitudinal flanges of the sections and the opposite ends of each section provided With open folds.

sections provided upon one of their longitudinal edges with flanges, a connecting cap adapted to embrace the flanges, each of said sections provided With oppositely disposed folds upon one of their ends and the plain ends of the sections adapted to be located under the folds. Y

3. In a sign of the character described, the combination of a sign consisting of membersadapted to be placed face to face, said sections provided upon one of their longitudinal edges With flanges, a connecting cap adapted to embrace the flanges, each of said sections provided with oppositely disposed folds upon one of their ends and the plain ends of the sections adapted to be located under the folds, said' folds formed of a length less than the Width of the sections.

In testimony that I claim the above, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

JOHN C. LAKE.

Copies of this patent mav be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. C. 

